The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-05
THE METLAKAHTLA INDIANS.
The Thirty Years Work of William Duncan
They VIII go to Alaska.
Boston Transcript.

Boston Transcript.
Mir. William Duncan, the founder of the Met
lakahtla colony of Indians. British Columbi at
the urgent request Of friends here, is to return
from New ork this week, and will remain few
days, after which he leaves for San Francisco.
Metakahtla numbe about one thousand souls,
and its history is the story of Mr. Duncans more
than thirty years labor. Beginning with the In
dians in their worst state-sayage. cruel, super
stitous and revengeful-he gradually won their
confidence, and finally ChristianiZed and civili-
zed them, though again and again they sought to
take his life. He now lives in a well ordered
and self-supporting community, with church,
schools and town house. The jealous chiefs, the
warning tribes and bloody feuds have so utterly
gone that in twenty-four years not murder has
been committed there-a fact that probably can
not be said OF any white settlement in all British
Columbia, or of any town on our own frontier.
There more than four hundred little
gardens in the village. which the Indians culti-
vate, raising hardy vegetables and plants. such
potatoes turnips rhubarb and the like.
Seven hundred and fifty tons of salmon have
been sent by them to England, the tin cans,
holding pound each, the packing-cases and
everything connected Herewith. from catching
the fish to the final shipment. being done by the
natives A saw-mill and carpenter, blacksmith,
tin and other shops, and steamer manned and
commanded by them some of the resuts of
Mr.. Duncan's instruction and labor. But the
Indians have built houses and titled the soil,
only to learn at last that they have owner
ship it at all. 1t is great blow, but they
have determined to try once more, and MIR. Dun
can sent by them to Washington to nego-
tiate with government for land in Alaska,
whittier they are soon to 60, if not now the
way there. Mr.. Duncan speaks of the kind re-
ception given him by the President and Mr..
Lamar, the Secretary of the Interior. While
they could not make him any promises. he and
the Indians were encouraged TO go, ana then to
write from Alaska as actual settlers on Ameri-
can soil.
The Indians know the United States only as
Boston, ana when they sent Mr.. Duncan on his
mission to this country it was to Boston" that
he promised to 30. That he might fulfill his
pledge literally he determined to visit this city,
and arrived here for the first time about six
weeks ago. Great interest in his people was
aroused by the addresses he gave in Trinity
Church. Boston, In churches of other denoniina-
tions, and in private parlors in Boston and
vicinity. Mr.. Duncan has not asked for assist
ance. but those who listened to the wonderful
story of his long, patient and selfdenying labors
for the redemption of n despised people could
not help giving something in view of the great
sacrifice he and they make. being forced
abandon the results of years of labor that they
and their children may have. in a new country,
the protection of law for their persons and prop
perty.
We give here but two of the many stories IL
Illustrative of Indian life in Metlakahtla.
The town is governed by a council of Indians.
At the election of a member a black ball, in the
shape of button was cast against him. Very
early the next morning an Indian appeared at
the house of Mr.. Duncan, to confer with him
about it. The candidate, in company with the
voter. time before, had dealings with a
trader. who by mistake paid the Indian dol
lar too much. Instead of Immediately returning
it, he asked his companion what he ought to do
Now" said the visitor to Mr. Duncan, ''can
that man be fit to be a councillor who has to ask
if he shall be honest!
They have novel method of getting rid of
troublesome persons Mr. Duncan says he does
not remember just how the suggestion came to
him but it proves effective Upon the appear
soon everyone is asking. Who is it, The man
quickly discovers that he is the subject of public
remark that all eyes are turned toward him,
and he soon becomes too uncomfortable to stay
in the town.